12/3/2008 Cost Effective Innovations in Pain Management for Health Plans
Cost Effective Innovations in Pain Management for Health Plans
URL: http://www.worldrg.com/pain
Date: December 3-5, 2008
Location: Rio All- Suites Hotel and Casino
3700 W. Flamingo RD.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 777-7634
Overview:
The first-of-its-kind conference dedicated exclusively to helping health plans control the skyrocketing costs of pain management. Chronic pain accounts for 10% to 20% of primary care visits. The economic impact of chronic pain, including the direct and indirect costs of chronic pain, has been estimated at more than $100 billion annually. Compared with other disease states, such as heart disease, the costs for chronic pain are far greater and will increase exponentially. Chronic pain is a serious and costly public health issue in the United States and is the most common reason that people seek medical care.
Speakers:
Andrew Bertagnolli, Care Management Consultant, Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Andrew Slater, Director of Physician/Ancillary Contracting, Horizon BCBS of NJ
Contact: Rebecca Frommer- Rebecca.frommer@worldrg.com – (646) 723- 8021
11/20/2008 AAPM&R's 2008 Annual Assembly in San Diego
November 20-23, 2008
San Diego Marriott and San Diego Convention Center
Join AAPM&R in San Diego for the 69th Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. No other meeting brings together more physiatrists and PM&R professionals from around the world.
Meeting highlights include:
Preconference courses offering additional CME
Numerous networking activities beginning with the Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall
President’s Reception on Saturday
For more information please visit www.aapmr.org
11/13/2008 Alliance of State Pain Initiatives & Wisconsin Pain Initiative Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Program Coordinator Training
November 13 - 15, 2008
Alliance of State Pain Initiatives & Wisconsin Pain Initiative
Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Program Coordinator Training
Chicago, IL
http://www.trc.wisc.edu/prncourse/
11/13/2008 From Concept to Critical Mass: Building & Sustaining Today's Palliative Care Program
From Concept to Critical Mass:
Building & Sustaining Today's Palliative Care Program
Dates: November 13-15, 2008
Location: Texas
The new CAPC Level I / II Seminar is designed with in-depth content and rich networking opportunities for programs at every stage. Choose from a host of focused workshops, discussion sessions, and breakouts that address your particular program needs, including:
• Pediatric Program Development
• Strategic Planning
• Outpatient Models
• Pharmacy Protocols
• Quality Metrics
• ED/ICU Outreach
• Oncology Collaborations
• Hospice-Hospital Dynamics
• Increasing Referrals
• And much more!
This conference is intended for hospital and hospice physicians, nurses, social workers, finance managers, administrators and others involved in starting or running a palliative care program; PCLC-trained team members; past CAPC Level I and Level II Seminar attendees.
To learn more and register, call the CAPC Events Line at (212) 201-2680 or visit www.capc.org/tex
10/30/2008 Alliance of State Pain Initiatives
19th Annual Meeting of the Alliance of State Pain Initiatives
October 30 - November 1, 2008, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX
For more information visit: http://aspi.wisc.edu/
10/25/2008 American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, CA October 25-29, 2008.
The APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition is the premier Public Health Educational Forum! Learn from the experts in the field, hear about cutting edge research and exceptional best practices, discover the latest public health products and services, and share your public health experience with your peers. The world of public health is in continual motion, and there is no better time to stay abreast of the research and learn about emerging issues.
For more information please visit: http://www.apha.org/meetings
10/24/2008 National Association of Social Worker's Annual Meeting
Science Writers 2008
NASW Science in Society Meeting and New Horizons in Science Briefing
Skill-Enhancing Workshops
Briefings on Top Science and Medicine Developments
Lab Tours and Field Trips
Oct. 24-28, 2008
Palo Alto, Calif.
Program information and registration available Aug. 1.
Diane McGurgan, senior executive consultant
P.O. Box 890
Hedgesville, WV 25427
304-754-5077
For more information please visit: http://www.nasw.org
10/10/2008 National Depression Screening Day (NDSD
Depression Screening Day (NDSD) will be held on Friday, October 10, 2008 in collaboration with Mental Illness Awareness Week.
NDSD’s objective, which has stayed consistent since its inception, is to provide free and anonymous screening for treatable and frequently co-occurring mental health disorders including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder and to connect those in need with appropriate treatment and support services.
www.mentalhealthscreening.org
10/3/2008 12th Annual Interdisciplinary Approach to Symptom Control, Palliative and Hospice Care Conference
October 3 - October 4, 2008
12th Annual Interdisciplinary Approach to Symptom Control, Palliative and Hospice Care Conference
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
http://www.mdanderson.org/palliativeconference
10/1/2008 Pain and Symptom Management in Patients with Advance Disease: Clinical Review for Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses
October 1 - October 2, 2008
Pain and Symptom Management in Patients with Advance Disease: Clinical Review for Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
http://www.mdanderson.org/palliativeconference
10/1/2008 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Annual Educational Conference
ARN 34th Annual Educational Conference, October 1-4, 2008 in San Francisco, CA.
For more information please visit: http://www.rehabnurse.org
9/30/2008 Intensive Board Review Course in Hospice and Palliative Medicine
September 30 - October 2, 2008
Intensive Board Review Course in Hospice and Palliative Medicine
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
http://www.mdanderson.org/palliativeconference
9/27/2008 Seventh Annual Mid-West Pain Management Symposium Retreat
Seventh Annual Mid-West Pain Management Symposium Retreat™ Aberdeen, South Dakota September 25-27, 2008
The need for the entire medical community to understand, to be trained, and to develop knowledge about the complex issues of pain management is imperative. Advancement of medicine has resulted in prolonged care and treatment for many acute and chronic diseases. As we treat patients with pain issues whether it be as a result of these diseases or injuries sustained in global conflicts or the disease of pain, every practitioner must have a working knowledge about the complex issues surrounding pain in order to best understand the options available for pain management.
For more information visit: http://www.mwpmsr.com
9/27/2008 4th Annual NeuroScience Symposium 2008
Date(s): 9/27/2008
Start Time: 7:00 AM End Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Covenant Corner of 21st and Louisville, 6th floor of West Parking Garage
Lubbock, TX 79410
Event Room: Knipling Education Conference Center
Description: More information to follow on speakers and topics.
Contact: slgrissom@covhs.org
For more information please visit: http://www.covenanthealth.org
9/15/2008 Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Training Course
September 15 - 17, 2008
Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative
Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Training Course
Duarte, CA
http://sccpi.coh.org/2008%20PRN%20Course/PRN08.htm
9/8/2008 The American Academy of Pain Management’s Annual Meeting
The Amer ican Academy of Pain Management’s
19th Annual Clinical Meeting,
September 8 to 11, 2008, Nashville, Tennessee
For more information please visit http://www.aapainmanage.org
9/3/2008 American Society of Pain Management Nursing's Annual Meeting
ASPMN's "Soaring to New Heights!" National Conference
September 3-6 2008 in Tucson Arizona
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
For more information please visit: http://www.aspmn.org/
8/21/2008 American Academy of Pain Management 19th Annual Clinical Meeting
August 21 - 24, 2008
American Academy of Pain Management
19th Annual Clinical Meeting
Gaylord Opryland & Convention Center
Nashville, TN
http://www.aapainmanage.org/conference/Conference.php
8/7/2008 Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative, Promoting Excellence in Pain Management and Palliative Care for Social Workers
August 7 - 8, 2008
Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative
Promoting Excellence in Pain Management and Palliative Care for Social Workers
Pasadena, CA
http://sccpi.coh.org/Social%20Workers%20Course/2008/SWC08.htm
8/4/2008 6th Annual Comprehensive Pain Board Review Symposium
August 4-10, 2008
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
6th Annual Comprehensive Pain Board Review Symposium
Middleton, WI
http://www.orthorehab.wisc.edu/rehab/news/index_painsymposium.shtml
7/31/2008 Rheumatology Nurses Society Inaugural Annual Conference
July 31- August 3 2008
Orlando, Florida
RNS Mission
The Rheumatology Nurses Society is a professional organization committed to empowering nurses through professional development and education to benefit its members, patients, family, and community.
RNS Vision
Our vision is to lead nurses to excellence in the care of patients with rheumatologic diseases.
Visit the RNS Website for full details:
www.rnsnetwork.org
7/30/2008 The National Urban League Annual Conference
The National Urban League Annual Conference represents the largest gathering of African American professionals in the nation. Conference attendees include a wide-cross section of African American and others, and represent some of the most dynamic and influential leaders in the corporate, foundation, nonprofit, entertainment and political communities.
July 30-August 2, 2008 Orlando, Florida
For more information please visit: http://www.nul.org
7/18/2008 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago 2008 Pain Conference
July 18 - 19, 2008
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
2008 Pain Conference
Examining Critical Issues in Opioid Management
Northwestern University Campus
Chicago, IL
http://www.ricacademy.com/Catalog/display.resource.aspx?mode=CUSTOMER&resourceid=153551
7/9/2008 End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Pediatric Palliative Care Train-the-Trainer Program
July 9 - 11, 2008
End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC)
Pediatric Palliative Care Train-the-Trainer Program
Westin Hotel
Pasadena, CA
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ELNEC
6/26/2008 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Annual Meeting
Meeting Dates:
June 26- July 1, 2008
Exhibit Dates:
June 28-30, 2008
Location:
Gaylord National on the Potomac
National Harbor, MD
For more information please visit www.aanp.org
6/18/2008 Palliative Care in the ICU: Closing the Gap between Current Knowledge and Clinical Practice
Palliative Care in the ICU:
Closing the Gap between Current Knowledge and Clinical Practice
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
1:30 - 2:30 PM Eastern
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Featured speaker, Judith E. Nelson, MD, JD, will review and discuss relevant evidence and practical approaches to optimal palliative care quality for ICU patients and families. Join us and learn:
• Identify opportunities for improving palliative care for critically ill patients and their families
• Discuss strategies for improving palliative care in the ICU
• Employ a practical tool for ongoing ICU/palliative care quality measurement
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the presenter. After the presentation, you are invited to continue the discussion and post your questions and comments on the CAPCconnectSM Forum.
The cost for this call is:
$89 per phone line
$99 includes one phone line plus the audio conference CD-ROM!
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to
http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/06-18-08/index_html/
6/16/2008 Defining the Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes: A News Beginning
Defining the Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes: A News Beginning--sponsored by the NIH. Doubletree Hotel Bethesda. Bethesda, MD. June 16-17, 2008. For more information go to: http://www.ichelp.com/
6/5/2008 5th International Low Intensity Laser Therapy Conference
About the 5th International Low Intensity Laser Therapy Conference
Date: Toronto, Canada June 5, 6 and 7, 2008.
The focus of the meeting will be to review the most recent advances in research and clinical application of this "New Dimension in Medical Practice."
Presentations by the world's leading authorities in all disciplines relevant to laser therapy.
Hands on workshops designed to improve clinical skills.
Methodologies applicable in operating laser therapy clinics.
Opportunities to interact with laser therapists worldwide and exchange knowledge.
www.internationallaser.org
6/4/2008 Denial Management Counseling for Pain Management Training
Valley Forge Medical Center & Hospital
Presents
Denial Management Counseling (DMC) for
Effective Pain Management®
Denial is a serious problem in the treatment of chronic pain especially for clients with coexisting addiction and its related personality and mental disorders. This one day training will assist clinicians, therapist, nurses and counselors in recognizing and handling denial issues in patients with chronic pain. Dr. Grinstead will present practical exercises for motivating people in chronic pain and coexisting disorders towards more effective pain management. This training is also designed to teach healthcare providers how to help people who have experienced significant problems related to living with chronic pain, but who honestly don’t believe or don’t want to believe that their decisions and behaviors about pain medication and/or other self-defeating behaviors are undermining what could be an effective pain management plan. Upon completion of this course participants will be able to deal more effectively with clients exhibiting denial and treatment resistance and/or sabotaging their pain management treatment plans.
Time: Sign-in: 8:15 AM to 8:45AM
Program: 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM
Place: Valley Forge Medical Center & Hospital
1033 W. Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA 19403
Registration:
Please call 610-539-8525 ext. 216 to register and pay the $100 fee with credit card by phone, fax or mail a check to Valley Forge Medical Center & Hospital. The Fee includes full day of training, Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks.
Registration will require your name, credit card information and name/date of training.
*Please pre-register by
May 30th, 2008!
*Seating is limited and space will be available on a first come first serve basis.
5/30/2008 First Annual Women in Pain Conference
MAY 30, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Keynote Speakers:
Judy Paice, PhD, RN, FAAN, President, American Pain Society “Gender Differences in Clinical Treatment of Pain”
Mary Bennett, MFA, American Pain Foundation “Call to Action”
Diane Hoffmann, JD, MS, Director of Law & Health Care “The Disparity Toward Women in Pain”
For more information please visit: http://www.forgrace.org
5/27/2008 Surviving a Stroke: Practical Advice for Caregivers
Surviving a Stroke: Practical Advice for Caregivers
Presented by: Susan Croopnick, RN, MS, Stroke Coordinator at Mercy San Juan Medical Center. Are you a caregiver for someone who is recovering from a stroke? Do you wish you knew more about strokes so you could better assist your loved one?
Healthcare professionals now describe a stroke as a brain attack and a medical emergency. But what causes strokes? What are the different types of strokes? And most importantly, after your loved one has suffered a stroke, how can you assist them in their recovery?
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Folsom Senior & Arts Center
48 Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630
Cost: FREE!
To Register: Please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at (916) 930-9080 or (800) 272-3900.
5/14/2008 Getting to zero preventable birth injuries
Healthcare Briefing Wednesday, May 14 at 8:00 a.m. – Getting to zero preventable birth injuries
Please join Reps. Lois Capps and Shelley Moore Capito, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Infant Health and Safety, and the Premier healthcare alliance as we announce the Premier Perinatal Safety Initiative. You will learn about an innovative Premier hospital collaborative which aims to eliminate preventable birth-related injuries and mortalities in the United States. Participating hospitals will use best practices and the delivery of evidence-based care to achieve these goals. We will also announce an advisory committee of healthcare visionaries and opinion leaders who will serve as advisors to this important project.
The Premier Perinatal Safety Initiative Breakfast Briefing
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. breakfast – presentation begins at 8:30 a.m.
Location: B-369 of the Rayburn House Office Building
Speakers:
Frank Perez, president and CEO, Kettering Health Network (Dayton, OH)
Amy Hailey, RNC, MS, director of Women's Services, Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital (Fort Worth, TX)
Hal Lawrence, III, M.D., vice president Practice Activities, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Susan DeVore, chief operating officer, Premier
Blair Childs, senior vice president of Public Affairs, Premier
If you would like to attend the breakfast briefing, please RSVP to Linda Leonard at Linda_leonard@premierinc.com.
5/8/2008 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society
The 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society
Tampa Convention Center and Marriot Tampa Waterside Hotel & Marina, Tampa, Florida.May 8-10,2008. For more information please visit www.ampainsoc.org
Designed for a diverse group of pain clinicians, scientists and other professionals, the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting features a prominent faculty presenting basic, translational, and clinical research advancements.
Interact with cutting-edge researchers.
Translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
Network with your colleagues.
Hear from policy makers about issues that directly affect you.
Raise questions, debate the implications, plan follow-up studies, and discuss results.
Discuss your own research and clinical observations.
Meet with poster presenters to learn about their thinking and future research directions.
Visit more than 150 booths that feature products and services specifically designed for multidisciplinary leaders who study and treat pain.
5/4/2008 ASPAN 27th Annual National Conference
ASPAN 27th Annual National Conference
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
Dallas/Fort Worth Texas
May4-8, 2008
For more information please visit: http://www.aspan.org
5/3/2008 Sacramento, CA Arthritis Foundation Walk & Dog Walk
Event: Arthritis Walk & Dog Walk (Yes, dogs get arthritis too.)
Event Type: Family Friendly Community Event
When: Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 9:00 am (Registration at 8:00 am)
Where: William Land Park, 4000 S. Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822
(Other Arthritis Foundation events across the country can be found at www.arthritis.org)
Registration is free
Online Information &
Registration: http://www.sacramentoarthritiswalk.kintera.org
Why: Arthritis doesn't discriminate -- it affects one in five people -- men, women, teens and even children. The prevalence of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms is surging, affecting more than 5.6 million Californians and approximately 46 million Americans. As the “baby boom” generation reaches the average age of 58 years old, national statistics estimate that the number of people affected with some form of arthritis or related rheumatic disease will grow from one in five affected to one-in-three or 70 million Americans.
Join us at William Land Park on May 3, 2008 and choose from a 1-mile or 3-mile course. After the walk, enjoy family activities, food, entertainment, and health fair. And DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO BRING YOUR POOCH!
If you would like to help plan this event and become a volunteer, or for more information about the Walk, contact the chapter office at (800) 571-3456 or dwoodsford@arthritis.org
5/3/2008 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Meeting
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Meeting
May 3-7, 2008
New Orleans , Louisiana
For more information please visit: http://acog.org
4/22/2008 Stay Solid on Your Feet
Join us for this workshop presented by Ginger McMurchie, Consultant, Senior Care Solutions. In this presentation you will learn about:
How to make your home a safe-haven for you and your loved ones
How to respond if you or your loved one has a fall
Facts related to the cost and long-term effects of falling
How to remain safely independent
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Asian Community Center
7375 Park City Drive
Sacramento, CA 95831
Cost: FREE!
To Register: Please contact Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center (916) 971-0893
For more information and more caregiver events please visit www.deloro.org
4/5/2008 Understanding Dementia & Lewy Body Dementia – Half Day Seminar
Vicki Wheelock, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Neurology, UC Davis Medical Center and Shawn Kile, M.D., Neurologist, Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group, will speak on updates, research and future hope and help in Lewy Body Dementia. This event is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. and the Parkinson’s Association Northern California.
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (8:30 a.m. registration)
Location: Peace Lutheran Church
924 San Juan Road
Sacramento, CA 95834
Cost: FREE!
To Register: Please contact the Parkinson’s Association (916) 489-0226.
For Caregiver Respite: Please contact Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center (916) 971-0893. Limited resources – call early!
For more information and more caregiver events please visit www.deloro.org
4/3/2008 11th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer
April 3-6, 2008
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC
"Join us at this unique forum bringing together cancer survivors, community-based organizations, medical researchers, students, federal regulators, and industry representatives.
Together, we will share ideas, resources and information to empower people to take local action in meeting the challenge faced by everyone, not just minorities and underserved."
COL (Ret.) James E. Williams, Jr., USA, MS, SPHR
11th Biennial Symposium Chair
Come For:
CELEBRATION of triumphs and achievements
INFORMATION that expands possibilities
INSPIRATION that unleashes energy and hope
COLLABORATION that facilitates action
3/26/2008 Finding Comedy in Caregiver Chaos
Are you a caregiver who needs a little laughter in your life? Join Patty Wooten, RN, BSN, a successful nurse, a renowned international speaker, author and thought leader in therapeutic humor, as she presents on the importance of utilizing humor as a means to reduce personal stress.
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Main Auditorium
1800 North California Street
Stockton, CA 95204
Cost: FREE!
To Register: St. Joseph’s Medical Center
(209) 461-5061
For more information and more caregiver events please go to www.deloro.org
3/19/2008 Audio Conference sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Palliative Care Inpatient Virtual Care Units
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
1:30 - 2:30 PM Eastern
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Hear from featured speaker, David E. Weissman, MD, FACP, who will discuss the benefits and operational details of starting and maintaining a Virtual Palliative Care Unit (VCU). Join us and learn:
• Three benefits to a palliative care program as a virtual care unit
• Operational details of a virtual care unit
• Principles of developing a start-up and continuing educational plan for virtual care unit nurses
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the presenter. After the presentation, you are invited to continue the discussion and post your questions and comments on the CAPCconnectSM Forum.
The cost for this call is:
$89 per phone line
$99 includes one phone line plus the audio conference CD-ROM!
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/03-19-08-audio/index_html/.
3/17/2008 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Annual Meeting
American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Annual Meeting
March 17-21, 2008
Lake Buena Vista , Florida
For more information please visit: http://www.asccp.org
3/12/2008 Comprehensive Center for Pain Research 19th Annual Spring Brain Conference
Nineteenth Annual
SPRING BRAIN CONFERENCE
March 12-15, 2008
Wyndham Palm Springs in
Palm Springs, California
For more information please visit: www.painresearch.ufl.edu
3/10/2008 Fibromyalgia Legislation Day
WHEN: Monday, March 10, 2008, 9:00 am
Press Conference 9:00 to 10:00 am
EVENT: Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, Assembly Member Sharon Runner, Legislative Women’s Caucus to take the National Fibromyalgia Association’s “Pledge to Care” with over 100 Fibromyalgia Patients, Support Group Leaders and Advocates from California
Assembly Member Mervyn Dymally will announce details of first ever “Fibromyalgia Legislative Task Force”
WHERE: Governor’s Press Room 1190
Sacramento, California
SPEAKERS: Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, Chair, CA Legislative Womens’ Caucus
Assembly Member Sharon Runner
Assembly Member Mervyn Dymally
Lynne Matallana, President, National Fibromyalgia Association
In addition to holding our press conference, NFA leadership, staff, support group leaders and advocates from other health-related organizations will be visiting with as many California legislators as possible in groups of 3-5 on March 10 to share how fibromyalgia has impacted thousands of Californians and to gain their support for a resolution authored by Health Committee Chair Assemblyman Dymally to convene a taskforce on fibromyalgia. If you would like to participate in the legislative visits Please RSVP online at http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6933
CONTACTS:
April Quinn
Sr. Director Government & Community Relations
714-921-0150; aquinn@fmaware.org
Media Contact:
Corin Walson, APR
714-921-8850; cwalson@walsonpr.com
3/3/2008 Geriatric & Palliative Medicine Mini-Fellowship for Non-Geriatricians
We are pleased to announce Mount Sinai School of Medicine's annual Physician Mini-Fellowship: Geriatrics for Non-Geriatricians -- How to Integrate Geriatrics into Your Curriculum and Teaching. The course will take place Monday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in New York City. It is our hope that this information as well as the pdf of the application and flyer below can be included in your website publication's announcement section as well as in list serves or newsletters that may be appropriate.
The free, three-day Mini-Fellowship is targeted at non-geriatrician physicians responsible for teaching medical students, residents, or fellows how to care for older adults. The course covers geriatric content, palliative medicine, advanced teaching skills, curriculum development, and the geriatrics approach to patient care. Sessions are taught through demonstrations, self-study, small- and large-group sessions, e-learning, role-playing, and post-course mentoring. We offer four clinical tracks and two teaching tracks. CME credits are awarded.
The course is free of charge for physicians affiliated with a US medical school or teaching hospital, who have direct teaching responsibilities with medical students, residents, or fellows, and are non-geriatricians (may not have sat for the geriatrics boards or have completed, or be enrolled in, a geriatrics fellowship).
If you fit these requirements and are interested in joining us for the Mini-Fellowship, please review and complete the attached application. Once complete, please return the application via email (rachel.greene@mssm.edu) or fax (212-876-9150) as soon as possible.
Questions about the course can be directed to Rachel Greene, Program Coordinator, at rachel.greene@mssm.edu
2/25/2008 Arthritis Foundation's Annual Advocacy and Kids’ Summit
Make your voice heard on Capitol Hill!
The annual Advocacy and Kids’ Summit brings together advocates, young and old, from across the country to meet with their Members of Congress. Join us in Washington, D.C. during February 25-27, 2008 to:
Learn firsthand about our priority advocacy issues;
Meet face-to-face with your Members of Congress and educate them about arthritis and its devastating
effects on the 46 million people with the disease, their families, and our country's economy.
Let Congress know more needs to be done for people with arthritis.
For more information: http://www.arthritis.org
2/25/2008 NIH Consensus Development Conference: Hydroxyurea Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease.
NIH Consensus Development Conference: Hydroxyurea Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease.
At the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. The conference is free and open to all and 13 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits will be available for participants. For more information call Kelli Marciel at 301-496-4819.
2/14/2008 Dialogue with the Palliative Care Leadership Centers
Dialogue with the Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM
Thursday, February 14, 2008
1:30 - 2:30 PM Eastern
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Ask questions and gain insight from CAPC Director, Dr. Diane E. Meier and the faculty of the Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC) as they reveal their own successful strategies for program development. Join us and learn:
• What financial data will be convincing to hospital administrators to get buy-in
• Key metrics for a start-up palliative care program
• How to reach out to oncologists
• How to align your palliative care program goals with hospital goals
• How a community hospice should approach a hospital about partnering for palliative care services in the hospital
• How to begin to plan for palliative care staff education
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the presenter. After the presentation, you are invited to continue the discussion and post your questions and comments on the CAPCconnectSM Forum.
This audio conference is FREE.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/02-14-08/index_html
2/13/2008 American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting,
American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Orlando , FL
For more information visit www.painmed.org
1/28/2008 San Diego TNA Regional Conference
TNA (Trigeminal Neuralgia Association) holds national and regional conferences that bring face pain patients and professionals together face-to-face, to learn from each other and to share information about current trends in and new methods of diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic facial pain conditions, including TNA (Trigeminal Neuralgia).
For more information please visit: http://www.fpa-support.org
1/24/2008 Frances Winfield Bremer, Wife of Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, III, to Become Spokeswoman for the National Fibromyalgia Association
Press Conference Unveiling “The Fibromyalgia Pledge to Care”
The National Fibromyalgia Association will be presenting Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III (former Presidential Envoy to Iraq) and his wife, Frances Winfield Bremer, as the new spokespersons to unveil "The Fibromyalgia Pledge to Care" which aims to raise awareness of fibromyalgia, its impact on the family and the health care system. The Bremers are also the featured cover story of the newest issue of Fibromyalgia AWARE, the NFA's quarterly magazine.
WHAT:
Press Conference with Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III and wife, Frances Bremer, new spokespersons for the National Fibromyalgia Association
WHY:
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain illness that affects 6 to 10 million Americans, yet recent legislation in health care reforms continue to prevent people with fibromyalgia from gaining access to much needed medical services and benefits. Family members and other caregivers play an important role in the treatment of the person with fibromyalgia, yet they are not well informed on how best to care for their loved one. This campaign is designed to help raise awareness of fibromyalgia, and advocate for better access to health care for people with FM.
WHEN:
Thursday, January 24, 2008
9:00 am - 10:00 am
WHERE:
NATIONAL PRESS CLUB
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C, 20045
CONTACT:
Corin Walson, APR
714-921-8850 Tel
714-865-4147 Mobile
cwalson@walsonpr.com
1/24/2008 Frances Winfield Bremer, Wife of Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, III, to Become Spokeswoman for the National Fibromyalgia Association
Press Conference Unveiling “The Fibromyalgia Pledge to Care”
The National Fibromyalgia Association will be presenting Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III (former Presidential Envoy to Iraq) and his wife, Frances Winfield Bremer, as the new spokespersons to unveil "The Fibromyalgia Pledge to Care" which aims to raise awareness of fibromyalgia, its impact on the family and the health care system. The Bremers are also the featured cover story of the newest issue of Fibromyalgia AWARE, the NFA's quarterly magazine.
WHAT:
Press Conference with Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III and wife, Frances Bremer, new spokespersons for the National Fibromyalgia Association
WHY:
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain illness that affects 6 to 10 million Americans, yet recent legislation in health care reforms continue to prevent people with fibromyalgia from gaining access to much needed medical services and benefits. Family members and other caregivers play an important role in the treatment of the person with fibromyalgia, yet they are not well informed on how best to care for their loved one. This campaign is designed to help raise awareness of fibromyalgia, and advocate for better access to health care for people with FM.
WHEN:
Thursday, January 24, 2008
9:00 am - 10:00 am
WHERE:
NATIONAL PRESS CLUB
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C, 20045
CONTACT:
Corin Walson, APR
714-921-8850 Tel
714-865-4147 Mobile
cwalson@walsonpr.com
12/19/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
12/11/2007 Family Meetings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Palliative Care Teams
Family Meetings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Palliative Care Teams
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
1:30 - 2:30 PM Eastern
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Hear from featured speaker, Lyn Ceronsky MS, APRN, BC, who will discuss how palliative care professionals can skillfully facilitate family meetings. Join us and learn:
• Steps in preparation, facilitation and documentation for family meetings
• Practical strategies to address common communication challenges
• Ways the interdisciplinary team can collaborate with the palliative care specialist to conduct family meetings
• Approaches to prepare patients and families for family meetings
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the presenter. After the presentation, you are invited to continue the discussion with the speaker and peers on the CAPCconnectSM Forum.
The cost for this call is:
$89 per phone line
$99 includes one phone line plus the audio conference CD-ROM!
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/12-11-07-audio
12/2/2007 The USC Quench the Fire Run/Walk
The USC Quench the Fire Run/Walk will help in raising awareness of neuropathic and other chronic pain conditions such as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), and support the USC Pain Center. The funds will be directed for clinical research and trials, patient education and community outreach events.
http://www.helpforpain.com/Race-info.htm
11/12/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Massey Cancer Center of Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center - Richmond, VA
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
11/7/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass - Lexington, KY
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
11/7/2007 National American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Week
Nationl American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Week. More information will be available in August at www.aanp.org
11/1/2007 Building Palliative Care Programs in Hospitals:
Building Palliative Care Programs in Hospitals:
Tools and Strategies for Success
Dates: November 1–3, 2007
Location: InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco, California
This CAPC Level I Seminar is renowned as the field’s basic primer for planning, exploring and starting a palliative care program. You will come away with a comprehensive, practical overview of all financial and operational tools needed to build a successful palliative care program.
Seminar highlights include:
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for establishing a program
• Create compelling business and financial plans
• Collect, interpret and present data needed to justify a program and to evaluate outcomes
• Select among various organizational and delivery models
• Identify target audiences and implement marketing strategies
• Outline strategies for funding programs
• Develop successful hospital-hospice partnerships
• And more!
This conference is intended for hospital and hospice physicians, nurses, social workers, finance managers, administrators and others responsible for planning or implementing a palliative care program in hospitals and health systems.
To learn more and register, call the CAPC Events Line at (212) 201-2680 or visit www.capc.org/sanfrancisco
10/16/2007 A National Framework and Preferred Practices for
A National Framework and Preferred Practices for
Quality Palliative Care: Raising the Bar
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
1:30 - 2:30 PM Eastern
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Hear from featured speaker, Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD, FAAN, who will discuss how to apply the framework of quality palliative care and describe ways that the NQF preferred practices can guide existing programs to "raise the bar," advise new programs and serve as a foundation for policy and research initiatives. You will learn about:
• Preferred practices needed in palliative care
• Developing measurable goals for palliative care services
• Speaking the same language: the benefits of a shared framework for practice
• Using the framework to expand palliative care services
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the presenter. After the presentation, you are invited to continue the discussion with the speaker and peers on the CAPCconnectSM Forum.
The cost for this call is:
$89 per phone line
$99 includes one phone line plus the audio conference CD-ROM!
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/10-16-07-audio.
10/12/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass - Lexington, KY
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
10/11/2007 National Depression Screening Day
DON’T LET DEPRESSION GO TOO FAR…
Join the nationwide effort to stop a suicide!
National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) is presenting Stop a Suicide Today, an initiative that aims to empower members of the public to recognize and respond to the warning signs of suicide in a family member or a friend, and highlight the importance of identifying and treating depression and other mental illnesses before a situation becomes urgent.
The American Association of Suicidology, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the National Hotline are collaborating in this effort and we hope you will, too. Register now for this event held nationwide on October 11.
This year, NDSD will be providing:
1. Suicide prevention information for the public
2. Newly developed suicide assessment tools for clinicians
3. Mental health screening and education for the public, with the opportunity to meet with a clinician free of charge to discuss questions or screening results
4. Referral for those needing further evaluation
You can register for a variety of program options including the in-person event as well as online screening. The online program is an affordable, flexible, year-round tool that allows organizations to screen patients and community members 24/7 through a convenient password-protected screening module on their own website. To register, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org or call (781) 239-0071
10/7/2007 Alternative and Integrative Medicine for Pain Management
University of California, Davis
Alternative and Integrative Medicine for Pain Management
October 7-10, 2007
Four Seasons at Manele Bay, Lana'i, Hawaii
More information:
website http://cme.ucdavis.edu
phone 1-866-263-4338
E-mail cmereg@ucdavis.edu
10/4/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Mount Carmel Health System - Columbus, OH
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
10/1/2007 Functional MRI chronic pain research study
This is a NIH-funded neuroimaging study that aims to teach chronic pain patients cognitive strategies to manage their pain by controlling brain activity in pain-related regions of the brain.
We are currently inviting chronic pain patients to participate in a study to investigate a treatment for pain that uses newly developed brain imaging methods to train participants to control their own brain activation. All participants in this study will receive a new form of cognitive training for controlling pain. A central goal of the study is to measure the impact of a new form of cognitive strategies for pain control on activations from brain regions involved in the experience of pain. Participants will be scanned using functional MRI while they employ cognitive strategies allowing the participant to view their brain activity. Some participants will see their own brain activation during this process while other participants will see very similar but simulated data that does not come from their brain.
For more information: Email: research@omneuron.com
Phone: 650-585-5304
URL: www.omneuron.com
9/27/2007 The Sixth Annual Mid-West Pain Management Symposium,
The Sixth Annual Mid-West Pain Management Symposium, September 27-29, 2007, offers a maximum of 18.5 CME's for a registration fee of $370, industry supported symposia, and brings some of the foremost experts to the heartland: Aberdeen, South Dakota. Some of the topics covered this year are spinal cord stimulation, cancer pain, palliative care, CRPS, opioid prescribing under the new DEA guidelines, pain management in a critical care setting, maximizing pain management billing, and stress management for the physician. While you relax, and learn your spouse or guest will enjoy the incredible spouse/guest program. Website and online registration: www.mwpmsr.com
9/19/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass - Lexington, KY
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
9/6/2007 PAINWeek 2007, September 6-9
PAINWeek 2007, September 6-9, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa. PAINWeek will offer 30 hours of Pain Educators Forum curriculum plus 12 hours of Western Pain Society's Fundamentals of Pain curriculum. There will be additional programs provided by industry, other pain related groups and continuous networking opportunities.
9/1/2007 Pain Awareness Month
Please visit understandingpain.org for more details.
9/1/2007 September is Chiari malformations in Ohio
Chiari malformations (CM) are defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance, that create pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem which may block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to and from the brain.
If you have any questions visit the website: http://www.freewebs.com/carrieschiariconnection/
8/27/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
8/8/2007 Fatigue and Chronic Illness Study
Fatigue and Chronic Illness
We are conducting an online study looking at the nature of fatigue in adults with any chronic illness. We're keen to see if there are any patterns of fatigue within conditions and also what management strategies work for people suffering from fatigue. The website contains a survey and a personal stories template. These take about 15 minutes to complete. The study is running through until the end of September. Please go to: http://www.fatiguestudy.org for more infomraiton.
The study is being conducted by Centre for Postgraduate Nursing, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
7/18/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Fairview Health Services - Minneapolis, MN
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
2007 training sessions are held on the following dates:
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
7/17/2007 Quality Improvement in Palliative Medicine: Using Rapid Cycle Techniques to Improve Care-and Have Fun!
Quality Improvement in Palliative Medicine: Using Rapid Cycle Techniques to Improve Care-and Have Fun!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
1:30 – 3:00 PM Eastern
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Hear from David Levin, MD, Senior Medical Director, Sentara Healthcare, on the topic of quality improvement in palliative medicine. Interactive activities, PowerPoint presentation and Q&A will accompany the webinar. Join us and you will learn:
• Fundamentals of the Rapid Cycle Change (RCC) Model
• How RCC techniques promote change management and can be fun!
• Examples of how RCC has been applied in various settings
• Specifics of how Sentara has used the RCC in Palliative Medicine
Introductory price: $55 per internet connection. All you need to participate is a computer with a high-speed internet connection, the ability to use your mouse and a phone. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to
http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/webinars/2007-07-17.
6/21/2007 CAPC seminar “Strengthening Your Palliative Care Program: A Level II Seminar for Growth & Sustainability” for active palliative care programs
Whether your program has been up and running for a day or for years, the new CAPC Level II Seminar will help you meet the challenges of growth and make the leap to long-term success. Highly interactive and personalized, this seminar includes “office hours” for one-on-one mentoring with expert faculty, small group sessions to tackle real-world challenges and “lab time” to work on individual plans for your program. To receive further information, visit CAPC's website at http://www.capc.org/orlando, or call the CAPC Events Line at (212) 201-2680
6/21/2007 Alliance of State Pain Initiatives (ASPI) 18th Annual Meeting
Alliance of State Pain Initiatives (ASPI) 18th Annual Meeting
Keynote: Ira R. Byock, MD
The Radisson Hotel Boston
Boston , MA
http://aspi.wisc.edu
6/20/2007 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Conference
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Conference June 20 - 24, 2007 Indianapolis, Indiana. More information available at www.aanp.org
6/13/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass - Lexington, KY
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
6/11/2007 Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) Training
Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI
Benefit from two days of on-site, hands-on training and a full year of follow-up mentoring by training at one of six Palliative Care Leadership CentersSM (PCLC). Learn from the experience of established palliative care programs how to finance, design, market and operate a successful program.
Interdisciplinary team approach - targeted to physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and other healthcare professionals interested in starting palliative care programs. A national initiative of The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).
Approved for 13 Hours, Category 1, Physician CME Credit. Nursing and Social Work Accreditation Pending
Register now for 2007 at www.capc.org/pclc. Sessions fill months in advance. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
6/2/2007 15th Annual Congress on Women's Health
15th Annual Congress on Women's Health will take place June 2-5, 2007 in Hilton Head Island, SC. This multidisciplinary Congress is presented by the peer reviewed Journal of Women’s Health. The Journal of Women’s Health is conjunction with University of South Florida School of Medicine sponsor this annual meeting provides continuing medical education and continuing nursing education credits, as well as pharmacy credits. For more information visit www.bioconferences.com/wh.
5/31/2007 Public Comments on DERP (Drug Effectiveness Review Project) Multiple
Sclerosis Drugs Draft Report Due
More information available at http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/draft.cfm.
5/30/2007 AQA Meets to Advance Ambulatory Care Measures
The Ambulatory Quality Alliance (AQA) will meet to continue the consensus process of determining how to most effectively and efficiently improve performance measurement, data aggregation and reporting in the ambulatory care setting. The meeting will be held at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.aqaalliance.org/meetings.htm
5/21/2007 Meeting Discloses Policy Impact on Physicians
At the quarterly Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) Meeting the PPAC will hear testimony and provide input on how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rules and regulations affect practicing physicians. The meeting will be held at CMS in Baltimore, MD.
More information is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/FACA/03_ppac.asp.
5/18/2007 OPI Pain Summit: The Pain Puzzle - Treating the Whole Patient
OPI Pain Summit: The Pain Puzzle - Treating the Whole Patient Ohio Pain Initiative Columbus, OH http://www.ohiopaininitiative.org
5/17/2007 The DERP (Drug Effectiveness Review Project) Multiple Sclerosis Drugs
Draft Report Posted for Public Comments
More information is available at http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/draft.cfm.
5/15/2007 Conference Focuses on Incentives
The Third Annual National Incentives and Rewards Program, co-sponsored by the National Business Coalition on Health, the Leapfrog Group, and Bridges to Excellence, will address the role of incentives and rewards in improving health care quality and reducing costs. The conference will be held at the Philadelphia Marriott in Philadelphia, PA.
More information is available at http://www.nbch.org/.
5/10/2007 The DERP (Drug Effectiveness Review Project) Hepatitis C Drugs Final
Report Posted on Public Site
More information is available at http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/final.cfm.
5/3/2007 Conference Targets Patient Safety for Improvement
The National Patient Safety Foundation hosts the Annual Patient Safety Congress, co-chaired by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Administrator Carolyn Clancy, at which healthcare leaders will present successful strategies for implementing patient safety precautions. The conference will be held at the Wardman Park Mariott in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.npsf.org/congress/index.html.
5/2/2007 The APS 26th Annual Scientific Meeting
Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
The APS 26th Annual Scientific Meeting will be a lively arena for interdisciplinary exchange among pain scientists and healthcare professionals. For more information go to www.ampainsoc.org.
4/25/2007 Maine Pain Initiative
Maine Pain Initiative
Symposium: Pain Management at the End of Life University of Maine at Presque Isle Presque Isle, ME http://www.mainehospicecouncil.org/mpi/symposium/program_umpi.htm
4/25/2007 Audio Conference Quality Measures 101
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
April 25, 2007 1:30 - 2:30 PM Eastern. Hear from Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, Director of the Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and the Center to Advance Palliative Care, on the topic of quality improvement methods for palliative care. You will learn:
• Structure, process, outcomes
• Good measures
• Bad measures
• Domains of quality in healthcare
• State of the science on palliative care outcomes
A Q&A period will follow the PowerPoint presentation.
The cost for this call is: $75 PER LINE. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register and for more information, go to http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/04-25-07-audio.
4/22/2007 Conference Confronts Worldwide Healthcare Challenges
The 4th Annual World Health Care Congress is an opportunity for healthcare leaders to discuss and formulate solutions to the challenges of escalating health care cost, quality and delivery of health benefits. Topics of discussion will range from consumerism and consumer engagement to improving quality and advancing pay for performance. The Congress will feature healthcare thought leaders including Alex M. Azar, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Von Eschenbach, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, Leslie Norwalk, Acting Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Tom Valuck, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Advisor to CMS, Carolyn Clancy, Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The Congress will be held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.worldcongress.com/events/NW700/?confCode=NW700.
4/18/2007 ACS Conference Focuses on Disparities
The American Cancer Society (ACS) hosts Bridging the Health Care Divide: Research and Programs to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, a multi-stakeholder conference to discuss successful, sustainable models of cancer research and health promotion interventions that eliminate cancer disparities by bridging the health care divide. Topics will include the ACS’s priority areas: supporting informed decision making/providing cancer information, improving quality of life, or increasing cancer prevention and early detection. The conference will be held at the Marriott in New Orleans, LA.
More information is available at http://www.cancer.org/cancerdisparities.
3/29/2007 Public Comments Due the DERP (Drug Effectiveness Review Project)
Hepatitis C Drugs Draft Report.
More information is available at http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/draft.cfm.
3/29/2007 Triumph and Tribute Dinner
The National Pain Foundation hosts itsTriumph and Tribute Dinner on March 29, 2007 at the Old Federal Reserve Building in San Francisco beginning at 6:30 pm. For more information log on to: www.NationalPainFoundation.org.
3/19/2007 Conference Highlights Quality of Children’s Care
The National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NIHCQ) hosts the Annual Forum for Improving Children's Health Care. The forum features five tracks, focusing on NICHQ's Improvement Agenda: Preventing Childhood Obesity; Providing Seamless, Evidence-based, Family-Centered Care for Children with Chronic Conditions; Purging Harm from Children’s Health Care; Promoting Equity in Care; and Profound Knowledge: Methods and Tools for Improvement. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, CA.
More information is available at http://www.nichq.org/NICHQ/Programs/ConferencesAndTraining/nichqforum2007.htm.
3/15/2007 The DERP (Drug Effectiveness Review Project) Hepatitis C Drugs Original
Draft Report Posted for Public Comments
More information is available at http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/draft.cfm.
3/14/2007 Teleconference: Guidelines for Management of Cancer Pain in Adults and Children
Guidelines for Management of Caner Pain in Adults and Children: A Review of Key Evidence-based Practice Recommendations.
Speaker: Christine Miaskowski, RN, Ph.D., FAAN, Professor and Associate Dean, University of California San Francisco School of Nursing will be presented in a CME Teleconference on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 12:30 to 2:00 PM (PST)
Target Audience: Physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals who care for cancer patients.
Fee: $15.00. Upon completion of the teleconference, the program evaluation and per and posttest, registered participants will receive a copy of the American Pain Society’s Guideline for the Management of Cancer Pain in Adults and Children and the certificated of participation. The program is approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
3/12/2007 Brain Awareness Week
Brain Awareness Week, March 12-18, 2007
3/8/2007 NQF Answers the Call for Efficiency
The National Quality Forum hosts the Invitational Leadership Colloquium: Responding to the Call for Efficiency, a program for leaders from all sectors of the healthcare system to further understanding of the concept of "efficiency across episodes of care" and discuss strategies to respond. The colloquium will feature a keynote presentation by Mark McClellan, former CMS Administrator, on the case for measuring efficiency across episodes of care. The colloquium will be held at the Marriott Metro Center in Washington, DC from 2 PM to 6 PM ET.
More information is available at http://www.nqfexecutiveinstitute.org/events/index.cfm.
3/5/2007 Meeting Discloses Policy Impact on Physicians
At the quarterly Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) Meeting the PPAC will hear testimony and provide input on how CMS rules and regulations affect practicing physicians. The meeting will be held at CMS in Baltimore, MD.
More information is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/FACA/03_ppac.asp.
3/4/2007 Conference Attempts to Increase Evidence on Children’s Mental Health
The Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health hosts A System of Care for Children's Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base, an annual event to share the latest research on implementing systems of care. The conference will be held at the Tampa Marriott Waterside in Tampa, FL.
More information is available at http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/rtcconference/.
3/4/2007 Conference Engages Employers in Changing Healthcare
The National Business Group on Health presents The Business Health Agenda 2007. The conference theme is "Changing the Rules of the Healthcare Game: Consumerism, Technology and Transparency — A Playbook for Employers." Topics of discussion will include health and care management, smart health care consumerism, evidence based medicine, the next generation of value purchasing, innovative health plan design, and business driven healthcare solutions. The conference will be held at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.businessgrouphealth.org/conference07/.
3/1/2007 Conference Discusses Growing Role of Generics
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) is holding their Annual Conference at which generic drug manufacturing, distribution, and regulation stakeholders will discuss the expanding role of generic drugs in healthcare worldwide. The conference will be held at the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ.
More information is available at http://www.gphaonline.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Meetings1&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2427.
2/28/2007 Workshop Unveils FDA Quality Initiatives Progress
At the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pharmaceutical Quality Initiatives- A Modern Risk-Based Approach conference, co-sponsored by FDA, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, and International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, the progress made on FDA's pharmaceutical quality initiatives, introduced at the Product Quality and Research Institute (PQRI) and FDA workshop in April 2003, will be presented at the workshop. The conference will be held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel in Bethesda, MD.
More information is available at http://www.aapspharmaceutica.com/meetings/meeting.asp?id=83.
2/26/2007 Workshop Discusses Emerging Roles for Biomarkers
The IOM is hosting a Workshop on Neuroscience Biomarkers and Biosignatures: Converging Technologies, Emerging Partnerships which will include presentations by members of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal agencies, industry and academia to discuss the technologies and partnerships required to advance the development of biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric disorders. The workshop will be held from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM ET at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3740/35684/38480.aspx.
2/21/2007 Conference Addresses Quality of Drug Utilization Management
At the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) Prescription Drug Utilization Management Conference, health care purchasers, pharmacy benefit managers, and professions involved in drug benefit delivery will meet to exchange ideas about best practices and further increasing quality. The conference will be held at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, AZ. More information is available at http://www.pbmi.com/product.asp?id=10.
2/14/2007 IHA Summit Tackles P4P Issues
The Integrated Healthcare Association’s (IHA) National Pay for Performance Summit will discuss numerous aspects of pay for performance (P4P), including efficiency measurement, physician engagement, government programs, data collection, employer programs, and gainsharing. The event will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
More information is available at http://www.pfpsummit.com/.
2/13/2007 AHQA Holds Annual Meeting
Topics at the American Healthcare Quality Association (AHQA) Annual Meeting span a wide range of healthcare quality issues, from the role of QIOs to certification of health information technology (HIT), but issues related to transparency dominate the meeting’s agenda. The meeting will be held at the Marriott in New Orleans, LA.
More information is available at http://www.ahqa.org/pub/inside/158_1107_5474.cfm.
2/13/2007 Academy Health Holds Annual Policy Conference
Academy Health hosts the National Health Policy Conference, which will feature discussion on driving quality improvement, addressing coverage issues and evolving strategies, strengthening the workforce, and advancing public health. The conference will be held at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.academyhealth.org/nhpc/index.htm.
2/12/2007 Conference Considers Role of Evidence in Post-Acute Care
The Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation hosts The State-of-the-Science Symposium on Past-Acute Rehabilitation: Setting a Research Agenda and Developing an Evidence Base for Practice and Public Policy, a conference that aims to develop research that will support an evidence base for post-acute care rehabilitation. The conference will feature topics such as issues related to measurement and research design, access to post-acute care rehabilitation services, organization of rehabilitation services, and outcomes attained by beneficiaries of Medicare and other insurers. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, VA.
More information is available at http://www.foundationforpmr.org/programs/postacuterehab.html.
2/7/2007 American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Meeting
American Academy of Pain Medicine
February 7-10, 2007
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans
The meeting will offer cutting edge evidence based updates in pain medicine; comprehensive approaches to fundamentals of pain medicine and more. For more information contact 847/375-4731, www.painmed.org, info@painmed.org..
2/6/2007 Conference Focuses on High Quality Clinical Trials
The Institute for International Research (IIR) hosts the Clinical Trials Congress, an annual conference focusing on high quality and innovative clinical trials processes. The conference addresses an array of issues including transparency in clinical trials, clinical registries and results databases. The conference will be held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort, and Spa in Las Vegas, NV.
More information is available at http://www.iirusa.com/clinical/1837.xml.
2/5/2007 Workshop Probes Into Standards of Evidence
Workshop Probes Into Standards of Evidence
The Institute of Medicine will host a second workshop in the Learning Healthcare System series, Judging Results: Learning Standards of Evidence for Healthcare Interventions. The workshop will address the perceived inconsistencies in standards that different groups use to judge evidence; how the evidence threshold will vary according to factors such as clinical circumstance, severity of disease, existing options and alternatives, and cost; and the uses of different types of data such as modeling, Bayesian analyses, and observational datasets. The workshop will be held at the Keck Center of the National Academies in Washington, DC, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET.
More information is available at http://www.iom.edu/CMS/28312/RT-EBM/39574.aspx.
2/5/2007 Conference Engages Physicians in Quality Improvement
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement hosts the conference, Engaging with Physicians in a Shared Quality Agenda, an event to help healthcare executives engage in quality improvement efforts and align physician agendas for system-level change. The conference will be held at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA.
More information is available at http://www.ihi.org/IHI/Programs/ConferencesAndTraining/EngagingwithPhysiciansinaSharedQualityAgendaFeb2007.htm?TabId=9.
2/1/2007 February is Women In Pain Awareness Month in California
SCR 42, Soto. Women In Pain Awareness Month.
This measure would recognize the important need to raise awareness
concerning gender disparity in pain assessment and treatment in the
United States, and would declare the month of February as Women In
Pain Awareness Month. For more information visit www.forgrace.org.
1/31/2007 Conference Aims to Convey Health System Change
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s conference, Spreading Change: From Collaborative to Campaigns and Beyond, focuses on achieving health system change, including developing strategies for measuring and sustaining quality improvement. The conference will be held at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA.
More information is available here.
1/29/2007 Conference Strives to Improve Quality of Safety Assessment
The Center for Business Intelligence presents the Cardiac Safety Assessment Summit, a meeting to inform pharmaceutical companies of ways to answer new drug safety concerns while remaining compliant, timely and cost effective. The topics of discussion include guideline compliance, best practices, and post marketing monitoring and surveillance. The summit will be held at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA.
More information is available at http://www.cbinet.com/show_conference.cfm?confCode=HB702.
1/29/2007 Conference Addresses the Role of HIT in Quality
The International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC) hosts the 2007 EHR and e-Prescribing Summit, a conference that focuses on what role EHRs and e-prescribing will play in the future of healthcare, and discusses the challenges in implementation. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Orange County in Garden Grove, CA.
More information is available at http://www.iqpc.com/cgi-bin/templates/genevent.html?event=11680&topic=233.
1/26/2007 Leadership Forum Focuses on Health Care Cost Reduction
The Massachusetts Hospital Association hosts the 40th Annual Mid-Winter Leadership Forum - Affordable Health Care: Mission Possible?, a forum to discuss successful methods to reduce costs through technology, disease management and wellness, and quality and safety initiatives. The leadership forum will be held from 8:30 AM until 1 PM ET at the Sheraton Framingham in Framingham, MA.
More information is available at http://www.mhalink.org/public/education/2007/prog-01-26/.
1/25/2007 Public Comments on DERP (Drug Effectiveness Review Project)
Combination Drugs Draft Key Questions Due
More information available at http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/key_questions.cfm.
1/25/2007 IOM Contends with High-Value Clinical Services
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is hosting the Reviewing Evidence to Identify Highly Effective Clinical Services Meeting 3, which will continue discussion on identifying and evaluating highly-effective clinical services. The meeting will be held at the National Academies in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3809/34261/34367.aspx.
1/25/2007 Grassroots Conference Promotes High Quality Healthcare
FamiliesUSA will present Health Action 2007: Grassroots Conference, a meeting for healthcare advocates focusing on expanding high quality healthcare coverage. The conference will be held at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC from 9 AM to 2:30 PM ET.
More information is available at http://ga3.org/familiesusa/events/conference2007/details.tcl.
1/22/2007 AQA Meets to Advance Ambulatory Care Measures
At its first 2007 meeting, the Ambulatory Quality Alliance (AQA) will continue to determine how to most effectively and efficiently improve performance measurement, data aggregation and reporting in the ambulatory care setting. The meeting will be held at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC.
More information is available at http://www.aqaalliance.org/meetings.htm.
1/18/2007 Private Sector Offers Lessons on P4P in Webcast
The Virginia Health and Hospital Organization is holding a webcast titled, Pay for Performance (P4P): Lessons from Corporate America. The webcast aims to identify critical success factors in designing a P4P program and discuss what payers are hoping to accomplish by implementing P4P programs. The webcast will occur from 10:30 AM to 12 PM ET.
More information is available at http://www.vhha.com/_uploads/documents/live/p4p011807.pdf.
1/18/2007 Community Workgroup Discusses Chronic Care Solutions
The American Health Information Community’s (the Community) Chronic Care Workgroup will meet to make recommendations to the Community for deploying secure technologies solutions for remote monitoring and assessment of patients, and for communication between clinicians about patients. This meeting is at 1 PM ET, and accessible to the public online.
More information is available at http://www.hhs.gov/healthit/ahic/cc_main.html.
1/17/2007 Educational Series: The Author in the Room
Educational Series Promotes Published Clinical Evidence
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement co-sponsor The Author in the Room a teleconference that aims to bring clinical evidence into practice by connecting practitioners to authors of JAMA articles. This call will feature Dennis M. Black, author of "The Effects of Continuing or Stopping Alendronate after Five Years of Treatment: Results from the Fracture Intervention Trial Long-term Extension (FLEX)." The call will be held from 2 to 3 PM ET.
More information and registration are available at http://www.ihi.org/IHI/Programs/ConferencesAndTraining/Author+in+the+Room.htm.
1/17/2007 CMS Solicits Comments on Value-Based Purchasing in Public Session
CMS Solicits Comments on Value-Based Purchasing in Public Session
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is holding a Listening Session on a Plan for Medicare Hospital Value-Based Purchasing to solicit comments on the range of designs in consideration for plan development. The plan will consider: the ongoing development, selection, and modification process for measures of quality and efficiency in hospital inpatient settings; the reporting, collection, and validation of quality data; the structure of value-based payment adjustments, including the determination of thresholds or improvements in quality that would substantiate a payment adjustment, the size of such payments, and the sources of funding for the value-based payments; and the disclosure of information on hospital performance. The Listening Session will be held from 10 AM to 5 PM ET at CMS in Baltimore, MD, or via teleconference (comments may be mailed, faxed, or sent electronically by January 24).
More information is available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-19804.htm.
1/17/2007 Webcast Offers Educational Opportunity on Performance Standards Program
The National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP, a collaborative effort including of seven national public health organizations) presents a Satellite Conference and Webcast, which can be accessed online. The webcast will explain the national model performance standards that the program has developed for state and local public health systems and local governing entities. The program will also articulate the opportunities that the NPHPSP provides to public health leaders in improving their public health systems and explain how the standards relate to current public health agency accreditation efforts. The webcast will occur from 1 to 2:30 PM CT.
More information is available at http://www.apha.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=event&eventid=2190.
12/19/2006 Forum may stoke creation of chronic pain group
People with chronic pain often suffer alone as they stay hidden away in their own homes, unable to join in the day-to-day routines of society.
However, a Canadian advocate for chronic pain sufferers is coming to Hamilton next week from Halifax, intent on showing chronic pain sufferers in this area that banding together and offering each other support and advice is an effective way to improve their quality of life.
Terry Bremner is the speaker at a public forum on Tuesday, Aug. 9, that will give those affected by chronic pain the chance to share their experiences and learn how to launch their own support group. The session is being held at 7 p.m. at the Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West.
11/27/2006 A Position Statement from the American Pain Society
Chronic pain is a significant problem in the pediatric population, conservatively estimated to affect 15% to 20% of children (Goodman & McGrath, 1991). Children* and their families experience significant emotional and social consequences as a result of pain and disability. The financial costs of childhood pain also may be significant in terms of healthcare utilization as well as other indirect costs, such as lost wages due to time off work to care for the child (Li & Balint, in press). In addition, the physical and psychological sequelae associated with chronic pain may have an impact on overall health and may predispose for the development of adult chronic pain (Campo et al., 1999; Walker, Garber, Van Slyke, & Greene, 1995).
11/15/2006 CHRONIC PAIN STUDY
Because the understanding and management of chronic pain is complex, and because it has been an unsolved, difficult problem for all involved, this report was requested. No one will be surprised that we will not provide simple answers to the long standing questions that have not had solutions. Rather, we will provide a reasonable understanding of chronic pain, so that reasonable policies can be based on current concepts and understanding.
I have tried to be as objective as possible, taking the stance that I am on no one's "side" in this matter. Although commissioned by the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, I have tried to approach the problem of chronic pain as a clinical issue, leaving the policies that might result to others.
11/12/2006 Pain / Anesthetics News
The latest Pain News & Anesthetics News articles published daily. We gather all the latest articles & reports related to pain / anesthetics and present them to an international audience of health professionals.
11/12/2006 New Target Identified for Chronic Pain Therapy
Scientists funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) may soon be able to reduce sensitivity to stimuli that are associated with chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain by disabling certain nerve cells that send pain signals to the brain.
Research reported in the November 19, 1999, issue of Science shows that, in an animal model, combining substance P with the ribosome-inactivating protein saporin (SAP) will inhibit the pain associated with nerve injury when administered before or after the development of neuropathic pain and will significantly reduce sensitivity to stimuli associated with inflammatory pain. Previous data have suggested that in the peripheral nervous system, neuropathic and inflammatory pain arise from different mechanisms and are conveyed to the spinal cord by distinct groups of primary afferent neurons. Study findings suggest that these different types of pain conditions, which can arise via different mechanisms, may be conveyed to the spinal cord by the same substance P receptor-expressing neurons. Further, the study found that, following substance P-SAP treatment, opiates such as morphine remain a viable therapy for breakthrough pain. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic pain and the development of more targeted pain-relieving drug therapy.
10/22/2006 Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, an approach developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, teaches ways of paying attention that can help you reduce stress in your life. Our minds often race into future worries or dwell on past frustrations with the net result being stress. When we can learn to pay attention in a moment to moment manner, one can benefit from more ease and peace within the midst of difficult times. Fear, anxiety, and pain can be met and handled more skillfully and your quality of life can be enhanced.
10/7/2006 Study Links Chronic Pain to Signals in the Brain
For centuries, doctors have tried to find effective ways to treat chronic pain, a devastating neurological disorder that affects almost 90 million Americans. A new study shows that two proteins in the brain trigger the neuronal changes that amplify and sustain this type of pain. The finding may lead to new ways of treating chronic pain.
"This is the first [chronic pain] study to show clear molecular targets in the brain," says Min Zhuo, Ph.D., of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, senior author of the report. "Drugs that inhibit these two proteins may help to reduce chronic pain." The study was funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and appears in the November 14, 2002, issue of Neuron. 1
10/6/2006 Coping with pain produced by physical activity in persons with chronic low back pain.
Coping with chronic pain during exposure to pain produced by activity was examined in 30 patients with chronic low back pain referred to a university pain management center. Patient's range of motion, autonomic responses, and anticipatory anxiety ratings before exposure and ratings of pain and anxiety after exposure were assessed, and the number of repetitions of the activities that produced the pain was recorded. Analyses showed that using coping self-statements was associated with lower skin conductance during anticipation and greater range of motion. Praying, hoping and catastrophizing were associated with greater anticipatory anxiety, greater anxiety during the painful activity, and less range of motion from the onset of increased pain to the point of pain tolerance. Praying and hoping were associated with higher pain ratings and fewer repetitions of the activity. Assessment of coping during an incident of pain and multiple methods to measure pain and distress provided convincing evidence that patients' self-management responses influence the consequences of pain exposure.
